Police charge Nutley man with drug possession near school

Detectives arrested Massimo Iuele, 34, at his River Road home without incident at 9 p.m. Monday, police reported. He was charged with possession of controlled dangerous substances near a school, possession of controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, possession of hypodermic needles, and possession of CDS. His residence falls within a school zone, and the amount of narcotics found in his possession warranted the school charge, Det. Anthony Montanari stated.

The substances recovered from the suspect's house were mainly prescription medications, Montanari said, adding authorities enlisted a pharmacist to help identify the pills. Detectives were led to Iuele after "an active investigation gave them probable cause" to make an arrest.

Iuele is being held on $125,000 bail with no 10 percent option, authorities said.

According to the New Jersey Department of Corrections database, Iuele was incarcerated in Bergen County from January to July 2002, sentenced to a maximum of three years for one count of CDS possession and one count of CDS distribution, dating back to September 2000 and 1998.

In a statement, Public Safety Commissioner Al Petracco and Chief John Holland commended the Detective Bureau for the investigation and apprehension.

"This new year brings with it a resolution that will make these offenders know we intend to go after them, if they bring, sell or use drugs in our town," Petracco stated.